Susan Fahle is assistant superintendent for business services at the state's largest elementary school district, Chula Vista Elementary. She is at the center of efforts to cut millions of dollars from the district's budget, based on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's state budget proposal.
QUESTION: What's the district's current budget and how much does the school board need to cut?
ANSWER: Our 2007-08 operating budget is $243 million. Based on the governor's January budget proposal, Chula Vista Elementary School District's 2008-09 revenue will be cut by $11 million.
Why have so many teachers received layoff notices?
State Education Code requires that we notice any certificated staff member of a potential layoff by March 15. Once we learned of the education cuts in the governor's proposed budget, we pulled together a list of possible budget reductions. For any cut that involved a reduction in certificated staff, we identified the maximum number of teachers that might be affected.
Does it mean they will all lose their jobs?
No. The March 15 notices allow us the option to release certain staff positions, but that doesn't mean that all of these cuts will occur. In March 2003, we noticed 417 employees and ultimately did not have to lay off anyone. This year we are again forced into noticing 557 staff to legally preserve our options.
Why has the Chula Vista Elementary School District sent out so many more notices than Sweetwater Union High School District?
We are the largest K-6 district in the state, and we participate in the state class-size-reduction program in grades K-3. We noticed 279 teachers to (prepare for possible) elimination of this program. In high school districts, such as Sweetwater Union, K-3 class size is not an issue.
Will class sizes be larger in Chula Vista elementary schools next year?
It's possible. While we sincerely hope that the class-size-reduction program is not eliminated, we are advocating for the state to increase the maximum class size modestly, from 20 to 24 students. In 2008-09, class-size-reduction program funding is cut 6.5 percent below the current year. Salary and benefit costs continue to rise. This program is quietly being priced out of reach for many districts.
How do you decide which teachers get the possible layoff notices?
Teacher layoffs are based on both required job skills and seniority. A teacher with more years of service in the district and equivalent teaching credentials can “bump” a less senior teacher from a school assignment.
–Chris Moran
